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How to Pay for New All-Terrain Tires

How to · Auto

How to Pay for New All-Terrain Tires

Upgrade your ride without draining your bank account by timing the market and spreading the cost.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,000 before anything else
Across the 0% window $55.56/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,000 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Tires are the one thing you shouldn't skimp on, but a full set of all-terrains is a sting to the wallet. You want tires that handle the dirt and the commute without wearing down prematurely, which usually lands the total around $1000.

Wait until early spring to pull the trigger. That is when manufacturers roll out their best mail-in rebates to get people ready for road trip season. If you time the purchase with these deals, you can easily knock a chunk off the sticker price before you even swipe a card.

The 18-month window is a deadline, not a pass to pay whenever you feel like it. If you still have a balance when that time is up, you will start paying interest on whatever remains, which is where the plan gets expensive.

The steps

  1. 01

    Hunt for rebates

    Check the major tire manufacturer websites in March and April. They often offer prepaid gift cards back for buying a full set of four. This is better than a discount because it works like cash for your next gas station run.

  2. 02

    Negotiate the total

    Don't just pay the list price at the shop. Ask for the out-the-door price including mounting, balancing, and disposal fees. If you have a quote from an online retailer, show it to the shop manager to see if they can match or beat it.

  3. 03

    Use your intro window

    If you need to spread the cost, the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you pay about $55.56 per month for 18 months to clear the $1000 balance without paying interest.

  4. 04

    Schedule the install

    Book your appointment for a weekday morning if you can. Shops are less frantic than on weekends, and the techs won't feel as pressured to rush through your alignment or balancing.

  5. 05

    Track the paperwork

    Mail-in rebates are easy to forget. Take a photo of your receipt and the rebate form immediately. Put a reminder in your phone for two weeks later to make sure you actually mailed it or submitted it online.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Should I buy tires online or in a shop?

Buying online is usually cheaper, but you have to pay for shipping and find a shop to install them. Buying at a local shop costs more upfront but often includes free rotations for the life of the tires.

Is the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card good for everything?

It is a tool for managing cash flow on one-time expenses. Use it for the tires to keep your monthly budget stable, but don't use it to carry long-term debt on daily purchases.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can end your 0% deal early. Always set up an auto-pay for at least the minimum amount so you stay in good standing.

How long do all-terrain tires really last?

It depends on the compound, but most decent sets last 40,000 to 60,000 miles. Rotate them every 5,000 miles to make sure you get every penny of value out of them.